Separator



W. H. WINEMA N SEPARATOR Filed July 9, 1919 Patented Dec. 30, 1924,.

UNITED-STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WADE H. WINEMAN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A COBIORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS;

SEPARATOR.

Application filed July 29,-

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WADE H. WINEMAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Separators, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to separators.

It has for its object to provide an 1mproved separator especially adapted to the separation of gas andliquid, whereby the capacity and efficiency of the same is Increased at the same time that the construction is simplified. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved separator especially adapted to, use in gas and liquid separatlng or pumping systems or air lift systems and adapted to separate the several elements of the material to be separated in a more efficient manner, and to utilize the momentum of the material to be separated, as for instance, the discharge of a well, in discharging the material therefrom and as a propulsion force in the line, at the same time that a more simple and less expensive construction of the separator and its cooperating system is made possible. Theseand other objects and advantages of m improved construction will, however, herelnaft'er more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, the same being illustrated as applied to an air lift system. 1

In these drawings,--

' Fig.1 is a diagrammatic side elevation, partially in section, of such a system equipped with my improvement.

Fig. 2 is a detail plan view of the se arator, the same being sh tumiad 180 about its axis relative to Figure Fig. 3 is a detail side elevation of the separator when looking from left to right at the structure shown in Fig. 2.

In this illustrative construction I have shown an air lift usual compressor 1 having a discharge'pipe 2 connected to a receiver 3 and the latter connected, through a pipe 4, to a. down pipe 5 of an airlift ump 6 disposed in thewell casing 7, and and liquid formed t rotary stream of very effective own in a POSItIOII" system including the ischar 'ng)the mixture of airr y, throughanup 1919. Serial No. 314,103.

pipe 8 which is connected to improved separating mechanism, hereinafter described, which operates to separate the air from the liquid and supply'the liquid to a line discharge pipe 9 leading to an elevated separator tank 10, and thence through another discharge pipe 11, line, or itself form the line. V

In my improved construction it will be observed that the up pipe 8 is connected through a long sweep elbow 12 to a booster casing 13, herein cylindrical in form and closed at both ends, the elbow 12 communieating with an inlet member 14 substantially tangentially arranged at the top of the booster casing 13 and communicating with the interior of the casing through an opening 15 in the outer wall thereof. It willbe observed that the entire interior of the cylindrical booster casing 13 is free from obstruction, so that the stream of air and liquid delivered to the same through the in ct opening 15, may rotate freely therein without interruption of its flow. More particularly, it will be observed that when air and liquid-is thus delivered at the periphery of the casing, the heavier element, i. e. the liquid, will tend to follow a path close to and spirally around the inner wall of the casing, while the lighter element, i. e. the air, will tend to occupy the space enclosed by the will be observed that through my improved construction it is possible to .utilize the momentumof the inflowing supply to obtain a separation of the same into its constituents.

After the elements have thus been separated, they leave the booster casing through different paths. We will first consider the "liquid. It will here be observed that I have provided at the bottom of the casing, to which the still rotating stream of Separated liquid gravitates, -an outlet opening 16 substantially like the inlet openlng 15, and an outletmember' 17 substantially like the inlet member 14 and similarly located at the pe-- riphery of the boostercasing in such a manner as to provide an outlet which enables the discharge of the rotating stream of li uid, without interrupting its flow, and one w ich thereby also enables the force of the inflow,

which may lead to the.

liquid. In other words, it

herein the flow from the well, to be utilized as a 'motive force expelling the liquid from the separat r, AS rhQWn, the outlet member 17 is herein also connected with the discharge ipe 9, a swing check valve 13 and a gate va vs 19 preferably being provided 1n the pipe 9 closely adjacent the separator, and the discharge pipe 9 is in turn connected to a riser 20 leading to an umbrella separator 21 in the separator tank 10, which as heretofore described communicates with the desired point of discharge through the pipe 11, the valves 18 and 19 acting to prevent back flow from the tank or to enable the discharge to be cut oil when desired. Here, attention is also directed to the fact that a suitable drain pipe 22 having a usual drain cock 23 therein, is connected to the bottom of the separator casing and carried over and extended into the well casing so that the separator casing and those parts of'the system connected therewith may be drained back into the well whenever desired, as for instance, when it is desired to prevent freezieferring to the air separated from the liquid and disposed in the center of the rotating stream of liquid, in my improved construction it will be observed that an air pipe 24 is connected, as by threading, in a plate 25 provided on the top of the separator casing, and that this air pipe communicates with an axially located apertureor outlet 26 provided in the top of that casing, through which aperture the accumulated air passes up into the pipe. As shown, the pipe 24 is provided with a T 27 connecting the same to another pipe 28,which may, if desired, communicate either with the atmosphere or by means of a second T with another pipe 29 connected thereto and leading to the intake 30 of the compressor, depending upon the adj ustment of valves 31 and 32 disposed in the pipes 29 and 28, respectively. As shown, the pipe 24 is also herein provided with a swing check valve 33 to prevent back flow and an adjustable pressure controlling globe valve 34 controlling the boosting pressure in the casing and adjustable to maintain a constant liquid discharge therefrom by varying the air discharge and the resultant water level in the casing. Herein it will be noted that these valves are provided in the pipe 24 at points. adjacent its connection to the pipe 28, and

I that the pipe 24 is extended laterally therefrom to a point beneath'the riser 20, where it 1s provlded with a riser 35. extending into the riser 20 and carrying on its upper end a- P m mix the air in the column of li through the riser, and thereby increase the.

or auxiliary jet 36 adapted to again quid flowing lift obtainable, the air again being separated from the water by the umbrella 21 in the separator tank-10. Here, it will also be obpreferably provide a pressure that in the pipe 4-. controlling t served that upon the separator casing I uge 37, and e air supply from the compressor 1 preferably provide a the discharge from the Well and utilize the same to a large extent as a propulsion force acting, not only to separate the parts of the mixture more effectively and efficiently, but also to assist the pressure in the separator casing in propelling the separated liquid through the discharge line, thereby materiall increasing the capacity of an installation having a given air supply. It will alsobe noted that through my improved means for separating the elements of the mixture it is possible com letely to separate these elements, the air discharged from a separator of my im roved construction being dry and the llquid discharged being free from air in suspension, features which not only increase the efliciency of the system but entirely eliminate all of those very trying difliculties' lieretofore experienced arising from air locks, i. e. the accumulation in high spots in the line of air carried in suspension in the liquid. The applicability of the applicants mechanism as a se arator for pumpin systems will be nmst clear when it is considered that for a normal pumping operation under a normal pumping pressure the percenta e of air by volume of the mixture entering t e separator would be in the general neighborhood of 7 '5 or Of course this figure would depend upon the ressure within the booster and other considerations. It does show, however, the enormous amount of gas which must be handled and which is handled in a manner never before handled in a pumping system separation means. Attention'is also directed to the fact that through my improved construction it is possible to eliminate entirely any necessity for npparatus within the separator, thereby material- ..ly reducing the cost of the installation and removing any necessity for the adjustment of such mechanism as has heretofore been necessary. In this connection, attention is also directed to the fact that through the provision of the long sweep elbow inlet leading to the separator it is possible readily to remove this elbow, and thereby permit convenient backblowing, cleaning, etc. of the well without in any way interfering with the booster or the piping thereon. These and other advantages of my improved conper cent.

to those skilled in the be clearly apparent art. While I have in this application specifically described one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, it will be struction will, however,

understood that this form of the same is.

used for illustrative purposes, and that the invention may be modified and embodied in other forms and adapted to other uses Without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire by Letters Patent to secure is:

1. In a gas and liquid separator system, gas lift means for supplying a stream of gas and liquid mixture, cooperating centrifugal separating means operated by said stream, and means for thereafter returning one of said mixture constituents to said supply means.

2. gas and liquid separating system comprising gas-lift means for providing a movlng mixture of gas and liquid, and centrifugal gas and liquid separating means operated thereby and Without interruption of the liquid flow, having separate outlets for the constituents of saidvmixture.

3. In combination, a gas-lift mump, a discharge line, and a centrifugal gas and liquid separator therebetween operated by the pum discharge without counter flow of liquid therein.

4;. An air lift system comprising an air lift pump, and a centrifugal separator receiving the discharge therefrom and operated by the momentum of said discharge without interruption of liquid flow therein.

5. An' air lift system comprising an air lift pump, and a centrifugal separator re ceiving the discharge therefrom and operated by the momentum of said dischar e and having an outlet through which [he separated liquid is propelled by the momentum of said discharge.-

6. A booster comprising a casing having a lateral outlet opening and an unobstructed interior operative to produce a rotating stream of mixture therein and a communieating outlet opening, and pressure regulatlng means for maintaining a constant discharge through the latter.

7. Air lift mechanism comprising an air lift pum and a centrifugal separator receiving t e discharge therefrom and operated by said discharge.

8. Ina liquid pumping system, means directing a stream of-mixed gas and liquid,

and. cooperating gas and liquid separating means comprising a centrifugal separator receivin the discharge from said means and operate by said discharge. 9. Airlift mechanism comprising an air lift pum and a centrifugal separator re-' ceiving t e dischar e therefrom andh'aving tangential inlet an outlet openings.

- having a tangential inlet,

ceiving the discharge therefrom and having tang e ti'a'l inlet and axial air outlet.

11. Airlift mechanism comprising an air lift pump, and a substantially cylindrical casing having a tangential inlet receiving the pump discharge and a separate outlet for the pumped liquid.

12. Air lift mechanism comprising an air lift pump, and a substantially cylindrical casing having a tangential inlet receiving the pump discharge therefrom and a separate outlet for the pumped liquid, said liquid outlet likewise being tangentially disposed.

13. Air lift mechanism comprising an air lift pump, and a substantially cylindrical casing having a tangential inlet receiving the pump discharge and a separate outlet for the liquid, said liquid outlet likewise being end of said casing from said inlet.

outlet openings and an 14. Air lift mechanism comprisin an air lift pump, and a substantially cylindrical casing having a tangential inlet'receiving the pump discharge and cooperating tangentially and axially disposed liquid and air outlets. I

15. In an air lift system, an air lift pump having a' discharge, a centrifugal separator and a removable elbow section in said pump discharge communicating with said inlet.

16. An air lift system for wells comprising an air lift pump disposed in the well, a

charge therefrom and operated by said discharge, and means for draining said separator into the well.

17. An airlift system comprising an air lift pump, a centrifugal separator receiving the discharge. therefrom and operated by said discharge without interruption of liquid flow, a tank receiving the liquid discharged from said separator, and means for controlling the flow between said separator and tank.

. 18. An air lift system comprising an air lift pump, a centrifugal separator receiving the discharge therefrom and operated by said discharge without interruption of liquid flow, a separator tank, a liquid disch argn line from said separator, an auxiliary in said line, and means for supplying air thereto from said separator.

- 19. In an air lift system, an air lift pump,

a centrifugal separator having tangential liquid to said discharge centrifugal separator receiving the disj opening for conducting liquid to a point of use, said centrifu al separator providing for.

discharge of sai line without counterfl'ow of liquid.

' a centrifugal separator receiving the 20. In. an air lift system, an air lift pur p,

charge therefrom, and a discharge line leading'to a pointabove said centrifugal separator and communicating with the latter through a connection tangential thereto charge 'ing to a point above of said liquid therein and guiding flow from its inlet thereto to its wt charge of liquid through said in said separator.

' possible liftof said liquid in said discharge line. 21. In an air lift systenn'an air lift pump, a centrifugal separator receiving the distherefrom, and a discharge line leadsaid centrifugal separator and communicating with the latter through a connection tangential thereto whereby the centrifugalforceof the liquid circulating in said se arator increases the rate of flow in said discharge line.

22? In an air lift system, an air lift pump,

;a centrifugal separator with which ,said

pump communicates through a tangential j opening, said opening being arranged ad jacent the top of said separator, a discharge line communicating with said separator through a tangential opening adjacent the bottom of said separator and leading to a point above said separator, whereby on supply of liquid to said .air lift pump the dlS: v discharge line will be effected by the combined forces of centrifugal force, gravity, and'the pressure 23. In a liquid pumping system, means for supplying a stream of mixed gas and liquid, and cooperating gas and liquid separating means operated by the movement the liquid in a smooth point of discharge therefrom and having separate outlets for said gasand liquid, the latter arranged substantially in the'direction of the instantaneous direction of the liquid flow at its instant of discharge.

24. In a liquid pumpin system, means for supplying a stream 0 mixed gas and liquid, cooperating gas and liquid "separatjustalole to maintain a pressure in sai ing means operated by the movement ofjsaid liquid therein and guiding the liquid in a smooth flow from its inlet thereto to its point of discharge therefrom and having separate outlets for said gas and liquid, the latter arranged substantially in the direction of the instantaneous direction of the liquid flow at means for restricting the escape of the gas to prevent loss of liquid propulsion capacity.

25. lln a liquid pumping system, means for supplying a stream of mixed gas and liquid, cooperating gas and liquid separating means operated by the movement of said liquid therein and guiding the liquid in a smooth flow from its inlet thereto to its point of discharge therefrom and having separate outlets for said as and liquid, the latter arranged substantia ly in the direction of the instantaneous direction of the liquid flow at its instant of discharge, and means for restricting the escape of the gas to prevent loss of liquid propulsion capacity, the inlet of the mixed stream to said separating means being located higher than the liquid outlet.

26. In a liquid pumping system, means for supplying a stream of mixed gas and liquid, cooperating gas and liquid separating means operated by the movement of said liquid therein and guiding the liquid in a smooth flow from its inlet thereto to its point of discharge therefrom and having separate outlets for said gas and liquid, the latter arranged substantlally in the direction of the instantaneous direction of the liquid flow at its instant of discharge, and means for restricting the escape of the gas prevent loss of liquid propulsion capacity, said last mentioned means being adsecond mentioned-means sufiicient to cause discharge of the liquid without substantial loss in the distance to which it may be moved.

In testimony whereof ll afix my signature.

" WADE H. 1 MAN.

its instant of discharge, and 1 

